Sliding Door Replacement Tips??

Tomorrow, I am replacing a sliding patio door. I've never done anything like
this and am wondering if anyone has any tips that might help, but might not be
obvious to a regular Joe like me. I will have help from a guy who has done
alot of work like this (i.e. window replacement, door replacement, etc.), but
he's never done a sliding door either.
Any tips would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Pete

You mean *just* the door, or the whole frame. Either way, make sure
the prior owner didn't put a broom stick above the door. It's a good
way to keep people from breaking in, but it works against the owner
too if he doesn't notice. :)

Meirman
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From what I have seen on this old house (I am not a pro by any means)..
its just like installing a window basically.
You need to make sure you threshold is flat and level. You also
need to put a nice size bead of caulk along the threshhold before
installing the door. When putting the door in place make sure you
tilt the bottom in first and try to avoid smearing the caulk all
over the place. You want a good seal. Once the door is up make sure
it is still square and placed evenly in the frame. Then shim and nail it
in place.
I would personally use some spray foam inbetween the door frame and the
wall. That will cut down on drafts and air movement near the moulding.
Crayola

I had my sliding door replaced recently. I am not shy about doing
plumbing, drywall etc, but I would hesitate at doing a sliding door
replacement. It took took two experienced installers the better part of
the morning to get the job done. The biggest detail is making sure the
door is plumb and square, otherwise it won't close and lock properly.
Other details to consider are weather tight seals and stucco. If you
don't do the stucco properly, the job will look lousy no matter what
quality window you purchased. This is assuming you have a stucco house.
Good luck.

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